Ada News Obits February 2016 - Pontotoc County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Rita Floyd Return to Pontotoc County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/pontotoc/pontotoc.html March 2016 ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgenweb. org ===================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 2, 2016 MYRTLE PYBURN ALLEN ? Services for Myrtle Marie Pyburn, 79, of Allen were held at 1 p.m. Monday at Allen First Baptist Church. The Revs. Chad Kaminski and Buddy Drake officiated. Burial followed at Allen Cemetery. Mrs. Pyburn passed away Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, at her home. She was born April 26, 1936, in North Carolina to Gaston and Bertha Duncan Pait. She attended school in North Carolina. She married Billy Gene Stephens in 1951. He preceded her in death April 12, 1997. She later married Jack William Pyburn in 2004. He preceded her in death April 8, 2013. Mrs. Pyburn worked at the Allen School cafeteria and later with the Allen nutrition site. She was a member of Allen First Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, De Etta Hughes and her husband Doug of Overland Park, Kansas; three sons, Bill Stephens and wife Bonnie, Joe Stephens and wife Sara, all of Allen, and Jackie Stephens of Ada; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Raymond Pait, Johnnie Pait and Durwood Pait. Bearers were Justin ?Bubba? Stephens, Brett Stephens, Tim Hughes, Keith Mowdy, Calem Woodward and Josh Marshall. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 2, 2016 JIMMY HART IRVING, Texas ? Jimmie Dale Hart, 82, of Irving, Texas, went home to his Lord and Savior Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016. He was born Sept.11,1933, to Arthur and Thelma Hart in Fitzhugh. He married his first love and wife, Beverly Nell Morgan in 1955. He did many things during his lifetime, including coaching a women?s basketball team at East Central Oklahoma State in Ada and serving overseas in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and camping with his family. He spent much of that time showing and teaching his children how to have fun, how to care for themselves and others, and to love life. After he retired from PACO Pumps, where he was a million-dollar salesman for several years, he volunteered at Texas Baptist Men?s Association and AARP helping others with various services, especially preparing their income taxes. He is survived by his third wife and his children, Cindy Callentine and husband Jim of Emory, Texas, John Hart and his wife Carolyn of Ada and Sharon Felty and her husband Brad of Irving, Texas. He has many grandchildren, Chris Adams, Ricky and Matthew Callentine, Jamie Campbell, Mary and Elizabeth Hart and David and Brent Felty. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Stark of Fitzhugh, and a brother, Dwight Hart of Ada. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly, in 1989; his second wife, Jeannie, in 2001; and his parents. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Fitzhugh Methodist Church. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 2, 2016 ANNETTE MACDOUGALL ADA ? Services for Annette Helen MacDougall, 75, of Ada, are at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. Wendell Ingram will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Criswell Funeral Home. Mrs. MacDougall died Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, at her home. She was born Nov. 5, 1940, to Elmer Samuel and Velma Flora Bullard Jennings near Tupelo. She moved to California in 1945, where she attended school, and returned to the Ada area in 1981. She graduated from East Central University and was a retired English teacher. She worked as an LPN, a clerk, a provider and a customer service representative and owned a cafe in Tupelo. Mrs. MacDougall coached her daughter?s softball team in 1984 and was of the Baptist faith. She and Bob MacDougall were married in April 1964 in Fullerton, California. He died in Bakersfield, California, in 1981. Mrs. MacDougall is survived by a son, Bryan MacDougall and his wife Angie of Glenpool; two daughters, Bonnie Blair and her husband Randall of Harrison, Arkansas, and Bobbie Cadwallader of Ada; two brothers, Steve Jennings and his wife Carolyn, of St. George, Utah, and Danny Jennings of San Diego, California; and six grandchildren, Elizabeth MacDougall of Tulsa, Christina MacDougall of Tulsa, Bryan C. MacDougall of Glenpool, Kirstie Baker and husband Tyler of Harrison, Arkansas, Korina Cadwallader of Ada, and Bailey Annette Blair of Harrison, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. Bearers will be Bryan MacDougall, Steve Jennings, Danny Jennings, Randall Blair, Tyler Baker and Bryan C. MacDougall. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 2, 2016 ARLAND BROWN MUSTANG ? Arland Ray Brown, 51, of Mustang, and formerly of Stratford, co-owner of Independent Career Counseling in Mustang, died Thursday at his home after a long battle with cancer. Visitation was held from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday at McNeil?s Funeral Service in Mustang. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. today at McNeil?s Funeral Service. Interment will follow at a later date at McGee Cemetery in Stratford. A full obituary is available online at www.mcneilsfuneral.com. McNeil?s Funeral Service, Mustang ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 2, 2016 LEILA ANDERSON ADA ? Services for Leila Ellen Anderson, 70, of Ada are at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Unity Missionary Baptist Church. The Revs. Ricky King and Ron Shipley will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Criswell Funeral Home. Mrs. Anderson received her Heavenly promotion Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Ada. She was born Feb. 19, 1945, in Okemah to Hugh Blake and Minnie Ellen Payne Branscum. She graduated from Mason High School. She received a bachelor?s degree and a master?s degree from East Central University in teaching. She also received a master?s degree in library science from the University of Oklahoma. She married George Kenneth Anderson May 28, 1966, in Seminole. Mrs. Anderson taught school in Konawa. She also had her real estate appraisal license, and she was co-owner of K&L Real Estate Appraisal. Mrs. Anderson was a charter member of Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Ada. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth Anderson of the home; and her close friends, Teresa Buretta, Teresa Hogue and Karen McBride. She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Hugh Anderson. Bearers will be Dan Oliver, Bryce Oliver, Gary Hogue, Kamron Hogue, Keith Gurley and Faye Sliger. Honorary bearer will be John Chappel. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February 3, 2016=============================================================================================================== JOHNARLINE HUDSON COALGATE ? Johnarline ?Johnnie? Hudson, longtime resident of Coalgate, died Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, at age 92. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Coalgate. ?Johnnie? was born Johnarline Moseley in McGehee, Arkansas, on Feb. 1, 1924, to John Austin Moseley and Grace Ruth Moseley. She married Charles Arvard Hudson on Aug. 27, 1946, in McGehee ,and they were married for more than 30 years until Charles? death in 1977. They had five children: John, Steve, Candy, Davis and Holly. Raised a Methodist, ?Johnnie? became a member of First Baptist Church in Coalgate after she and Charles moved back to Charles? hometown in 1947. They worked together in the youth department, and for many years they were sponsors and leaders of the First Baptist youth group at Falls Creek Baptist Assembly in Davis. She also served her church as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and Women?s Missionary Union director. ?Johnnie? and Charles were later members of Harmony Baptist Church in Atoka. In recent years she attended First United Methodist Church in Coalgate, returning to her Methodist roots. ?Johnnie? attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, and after she married Charles they attended Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. In between, she worked in Washington, D.C., during World War II at the Pentagon, and it was in Washington that she met Charles, who was a Navy officer on temporary duty there. She also attended the University of Pittsburg while Charles was pursuing a master?s degree there. In addition to church activities, ?Johnnie? was also very active in her community. She was a charter member of the Coalgate Music Club, and she served in various local and state positions for the Oklahoma and National Federations of Music Clubs. She served on the board of directors of the Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and she was a volunteer chairman of junior music festivals in both Ada and Durant for 12 years. Johnnie? was a volunteer and secretary of the Coalgate Genealogical Society, and she was co-chair and treasurer of the Coal County Republican Party. In 1996 she received a gubernatorial appointment to the Murray State College Board of Regents in Tishomingo, where she served for many years. She was a member of both the OBU Alumni Board and the OBU President?s Council, and in 2009 she was the recipient of a Profile in Excellence Award from OBU. She worked in the Hudson family business at Hudson?s Big Country Store in Coalgate, and later helped Charles with his insurance and loan agency. After Charles? death in 1977, she continued to own and operate the insurance office for more than 20 years. ?Johnnie? enjoyed traveling, and with Charles they traveled around the world. In the late 1960s they joined a travel club in Dallas called World Travelers, which had its own jet. They made many trips with the club and became regulars at many Mexican and European destinations. In addition, ?Johnnie? showed her adventurous side when she took flying lessons in Ada in her early 40s. She completed all the flying and training courses before deciding to move on to other pursuits. ?Johnnie? was preceded in death by her parents, John Austin Moseley and Grace Ruth Moseley; her husband, Charles; her sisters, Carolyn Moseley and Virginia Moseley England; and her grandson, Shelby Hudson. She is survived by her children and their spouses, John Hudson and Janet of Edmond; Steve Hudson and Linda of North Richland Hills, Texas; Candy Hudson of Coalgate; Davis Hudson and Lisa, of Edmond; and Holly Rhoades and Gary of Nixa, Missouri. She is also survived by grandchildren, Marisa Hudson Arney and husband Ryan of Denver, Colorado; Melanie Hudson and husband Michael Hacker of Washington, D.C.; Bethany Hobbs and husband Brian, of Allen, Texas; Brett Hudson of Oklahoma City; Benjamin Waller and wife Alyssa of Dallas, Texas; Alexandria Rhoades of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Chase Hudson of Norman; Bartholomew Rhoades of Franklin, Tennessee; Thaddaeus Rhoades of Shawnee; and Jacob Rhoades of Nixa, Missouri; and nine great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include her sister Sue Moseley Leek of Dumas, Arkansas; her brother-in-law Nick England and wife Claudine of Burgess, Virginia; her brother-in-law L.A. Hudson and wife Dorothy of Sherman, Texas; her sister-in-law Marianne Hudson DeMoss and husband Coyle of Bells, Texas; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in ?Johnnie?s? memory to the Coalgate United Methodist Church Food Bank, the Coalgate Genealogical Society or to Oklahoma Baptist University, where a memorial scholarship will be established in her name. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February 3, 2016 BILL SMITH ADA ? Memorial services for Bill Ray Smith, 85, of Ada are at 1 p.m. Friday at Asbury United Methodist Church. The Rev. Travis Muse will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Earl Hood. Mr. Smith passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, at an Ada assisted living center. He was born Feb. 6, 1930, in Russell to Corbett Landis and Willie Clayton Smith. He and his family moved to Ada, and he graduated from Ada High School in 1948. He married the love of his life, Willena Skaggs, in 1950. Mr. Smith retired from Dillon?s Department Store in 1990, having worked there for 40 years. He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church for 72 years and served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves for seven years. Mr. Smith loved traveling the United States on summer vacations, playing his guitar in the Smith Family Band and riding motorcycles with friends. Survivors include his wife, Willena Smith of the home; a daughter, Jan Smith Kirkes and her husband Gus of Norman; a sister, Ruth Timmons of Yukon; a sister-in-law, Charlene Smith of Tulsa; and 13 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Corbett and Willie Smith; and three brothers, Corbett Lee Smith, Carl Gene Smith and Jon Dwight Smith. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February 3, 2016 CATHY ROBERTS FITZHUGH ? Memorial services for Cathy Lee Roberts, 60, of Fitzhugh are at 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Ada. The Revs. Tony Folger and Steve Wilburn will officiate. Mrs. Roberts passed away Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, at an Oklahoma City hospital. She was born May 17, 1955, in Nocona, Texas, to Lynn and Yvonne Jackson Weatherly. She graduated from Terrell High School and moved to Fitzhugh in 1998. She married Tom Roberts on Dec. 12, 1998. Mrs. Roberts was employed with the USDA in Duncan for 12 years. She was previously employed by a grain brokerage and trucking company in Terrell. Mrs. Roberts was a member of Roff First Baptist Church. After moving to Fitzhugh, she worked for Dub Toliver Trading and Oklahoma Heritage Bank. Survivors include her husband, Tom Roberts, of the home; a son, Justin Anderson and wife Machelle of Lawton; a grandson, Coby Anderson of Sulphur; her mother, Yvonne Weatherly of Roff; and a sister, Sherry Lynn Pewitt and husband Eddie of Ryan. She was preceded in death by her father, Lynn Weatherly; and her brother, Mark Weatherly. Cathy was known for her beautiful smile and infectious laughter. The family says those who wish may make memorials to the Cowboy Crisis Fund, P.O. Box 243, Fittstown, OK 74842. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February 3, 2016 MICHAEL ALLMAN ADA ? Graveside services for Michael James Allman, 51, of Ada are at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Gerty Cemetery. John Galbraith will officiate. Mr. Allman died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, at an Oklahoma City hospital. He was born Dec. 5, 1964, to Robert M. and Virginia Belle Yerby Allman. He was a carrier for the Ada Evening News and worked in maintenance at East Central University. He was a cook for the country club and a cook for Carl Albert Indian Health Care Facility for 15 years. Survivors include his wife, Kandi Jones Allman; one son, Robert Michael (Bobby) Allman and wife Destiny; one daughter Kristina Nicole Allman; one sister, Susan Allman-Shofner; and a nephew, James M. (Trey) Shofner III. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Amanda Dawn Allman. Obituaries may be viewed and condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, February 4, 2016 ELMO PHILLIPS NORMAN ? Elmo Phillips, 90, a resident of Konawa, passed away from this life Feb. 3, 2016, at Norman Regional Hospital. A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Vamoosa Cemetery. The Rev. Mitch Williams will officiate. The family will receive guests from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. Elmo was born April 18, 1925, in Konawa to Henry and Lucy (Kelton) Phillips. He was an Army veteran of WWII and was wounded in action, receiving a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He married Eddyth ?Rusty? Poston April 2, 1946, in Konawa, and he worked as a truck driver for the state department of transportation. Elmo loved to travel the state to eat out. He loved to go fishing and camping and tended a garden to give food away to neighbors and friends. He is survived by two sons, Roger Phillips, and wife Linda, and Larry Phillips and wife Dianne, both of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lucy Phillips; his wife, Rusty Phillips; one son, Lindell Phillips; four sisters; and two brothers. Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, February 4, 2016 FRED GILLEY ADA ? Fred Eugene Gilley passed away Feb. 2, 2016. He was born Dec. 15, 1947, in Ada to Louis C. and Viola Mae (Olds) Gilley. He married Judy Rae Brandon on Oct. 20, 1966, and in 1971 he graduated from East Central University with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. He retired in August of 2002 after 30 years of service with the juvenile justice system for the state of Oklahoma. He will be remembered for his work, which allowed him to touch the lives of many youths and their families. Fred is survived by his wife, Judy Gilley; daughter, Tarena Engel and her husband David; grandson, David; and great-granddaughter, MacKenzie. He is also survived by brothers, Norman Gilley of Talihina, Carl Gilley (Lois) of Ada, Earl Gilley (Joyce) of Winfield, Kansas and Lloyd Gilley (JoAn) of Ropesville, Texas; and sisters Nelda Bowen of North Carolina, Ruth Richardson of Texas and Clara Brengle (Larry) of California; and one sister-in-law, Connie Gilley of Texas. Fred is also survived by his sister-in-law, Peggy Henry of Texas; a brother-in-law, Ron Brandon of Texas; one aunt, Wanda Marie Nolan of Virginia, and numerous nieces and nephews. Fred was preceded in death by his mother, Viola; brothers Leita, Otis, Frank, and baby Glenn; sisters baby Myrtle, Wanda Striegel and Laverna Chandler. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Ada. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send a donation to the Ada Area Youth Shelter, 901 W. 18th, Ada, OK 74820. An online guestbook and condolences are available at www.phillipsfuneralservice.com. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, February 5, 2016 BETTY PRICE ADA ? Services for Betty L. Price, 72, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Saturday at Union Hill Baptist Church. The Rev. Randy Golden will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. Mrs. Price passed away Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at a local hospital. She was born March 29, 1943, in Ada to Daniel P. and Johnny Cooper Wallace. She married John Daniel Price on July 30, 1961, in Ada. Mrs. Price was a homemaker to her husband and her twin children. She was an excellent cook who loved baking and canning. She enjoyed the outdoors, including taking care of her garden and fishing. Mrs. Price was a member of the Center Free Will Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, John D. Price, of the home; a daughter, Tammy Gray and her husband Ricky of Ada; a son, Tim Price and his wife Rosa Lee of Ada; two grandchildren, Tyler Gray and his wife Nicole of Ada and Sierra Gray and her fianc?, Ethan Moore of Ada; and a great-granddaughter, Addison Gray. She was preceded in death by her parents. Bearers will be Tyler Gray, Ethan Moore, Keith Foster, Don Hill, Orville Pittman and Billy McCurdy. Honorary bearer will be Gene Glover. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, February 5, 2016 MACON HUGHES ADA ? Services for Macon Hughes, 91, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Jerry Wells will officiate. Burial will follow at Byrd?s Prairie Cemetery near Tupelo. The Chickasaw Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the cemetery. Mr. Hughes passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, at an Ada hospital. He was born Nov. 26, 1924, in Tupelo to Charlie S. and Rena A. Grist Hughes. He attended 8 Old Owl Elementary School in Centrahoma and graduated from Centrahoma High School. He received a bachelor of arts degree and a master?s degree in psychology from East Central University in 1977. He married Gertraude M. Pohl Nov. 26, 1955, in Berlin, Germany. He later married Lorene Clark. She preceded him in death. Mr. Hughes was the Pontotoc County Alcohol Program director in the 1980s and a 32nd degree Mason. He retired as a sergeant first class from the U.S. Army after 27 years of service. Mr. Hughes served in the Pacific during World War II. He later served in Germany, Vietnam and Korea. Survivors include two sons, Daniel R. Hughes and Patrick W. Hughes and their families; a daughter, Rena G. Hughes; a stepson, Mark Clark and family; a stepdaughter, Debbie Vogt and family; five granddaughters, Angela Walker, Annie Hughes, Arielle Hughes, Hayley King and Allison Hughes; a grandson, Aaron Hughes; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and a brother, Dennis Hughes and his wife Estalee of Wagoner and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister who died in infancy; two brothers, Asa Hughes and Floyd Hughes; and a granddaughter, Abbie Hughes. Bearers will be step-grandchildren Jared Vogt, Weston Harris, Jacob Vogt, Paul Harris, Will Vogt and Travis Harjo. Honorary bearer will be Caroline Harris. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, February 6, 2016 BOBBY NELSON ADA ? Services for Robert Lee ?Bobby? Nelson, 83, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Monday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Famous D. Cochran will officiate. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Mr. Nelson passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at a local nursing home. He was born June 22, 1930, to Fado Nelson and Louella Johnson. He was the youngest of three siblings. Robert was raised in the Leader and Stonewall area, where he attended school and got his high school diploma. Robert?s profession was a cook for many years until his health started failing him. He also loved to ride bulls. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Robert leaves to cherish his memories, two sons, Tony Dewayne Nelson of Ada and Robert Johnson of Oklahoma City; a step-son, Joe Cubitt of Oklahoma City; two daughters, Linda Daniels of Ada and Sue Ann Epperson of Wewoka; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and a very compassionate friend, Marylyn Nelson. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, February 6, 2016 BOBBY PICKENS STONEWALL ? Services for Bobby Dan Pickens, 54, of Stonewall are at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Stonewall. A Wake Service will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Pickens passed away Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at an Oklahoma City hospital. He was born April 16, 1961, in Talihina to Billy Gene and Naomi Faye Greenwood Pickens. He attended Latta grade school and Stonewall and Tupelo high schools. He married Tammy Wanette Riddles. She preceded him in death in 2011. Mr. Pickens was a roughneck in the oilfield industry until his retirement. He was also a bull rider and participated in many rodeos. Survivors include two daughters, Felisha Holman of Little Axe and Alisha Pickens of Oklahoma City; a son, Dalton Dakota Dan Pickens of Duncan; his father, Billy Gene Pickens of Stonewall; four sisters, Patty Pickens of Stonewall, Sandra Kay Johns of Pontotoc, Nancy Lewis of Oklahoma City and Billie Jo Simpson of Shawnee; a brother, Billy Gene Pickens, Jr. of Ada; step-brother, Michael Wayne Story of Holdenville; two step-sisters, Judy Cloud of Ada and Rolanda Hamilton of Stonewall; and five grandchildren, Landon Gutierrez, Peyton Gutierrez, Tammy Gutierrez, Sutton Gutierrez and Dillon Pickens; and several nieces and nephews, Anthony Lewis, Jr. ?Bufford, Zac Lewis, Mateo ?Tater? Gutierrez, Angel ?Honest? Gutierrez and Gloria ?Jean? Gutierrez. Bearers will be William Griffith, Lloyd Burk, Don Bray, Jr., Warren Riddles, Scotty Gibson and Jayden Morse. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 9, 2016 POKEY DEATON ADA ? Services for Pokey Deaton, 79, of Ada, are at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Baptist Church. The Revs. David Gray and Coy Howry will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mrs. Deaton passed away Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at her home. She was born Jan. 15, 1937, in Ada to Lawrence Edward and Iva Muriel Herrin Cantrell. She attended Irving Grade School and graduated from Byng High School. She married Thomas Odell Deaton on June 3, 1955, in Byng. Mrs. Deaton formerly owned and operated a fabric shop and she was a seamstress. Later, she retired from Pre-Paid Legal as an Administrative Assistant. Mrs. Deaton attended Trinity Baptist Church, had served on the Pontotoc County Fair Board and was also a member of the Home Extension Club. She operated the Country Kitchen at the Fair and the Livestock Show for many years. Mrs. Deaton had also volunteered with the Valley View Regional Hospital Auxiliary. Survivors include her husband, Odell, of the home; a daughter, Denise Adams and her husband Brad of Tuttle; two sons, Tommy Deaton and his wife Karrie of Ada, and Teddy Wayne Deaton and his wife Misty of Atwood; a brother, Joe Cantrell and wife Pam of Atwood; eight grandchildren, Jason Adams, Tyler Adams, Jordan Adams, Jeff Deaton, Ryan Deaton, Olivia Deaton, Stormy Deaton and Wyatt Deaton; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Retha Robbins and Lou Ann McVay; and a granddaughter, Ashely Adams. Bearers will be her grandsons. The family would like to thank Encompass Home Health, McCortney Family Hospice, Dr. Bruce Dennis and special caregivers Debra Bailey and Peggy Atwood for their care and friendship during this time. The family says those who wish may make memorials to the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112-6506. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 9, 2016 MERLE BALLARD ADA ? Funeral services for Merle Hopper Ballard, 93, of Ada will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Travis Muse will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. Merle passed away Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, at her home. She was born April 10, 1922, in Leslie, Arkansas, to Roy H. and Bertha Jones Hopper. At an early age, the family moved to Oklahoma and her first nine and one-half years of schooling was in Garvin County. In 1936, the family moved to Ada, where she graduated from Ada High School in 1938 and received her degree from East Central State College in 1942. She married E. E. (Eddy) Ballard on Dec. 22, 1941, in Gulfport, Mississippi, where Eddy was attending a training course in the Army Air Corps. Following graduation and post graduate work in accounting, Merle worked for Service Chevrolet and Ken Brady Motor Companies in Ada. In 1950, she went to work as a temporary employee of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of Ada. In 1983, having completed 32 years with Home Federal, she retired as Vice President/Comptroller of a company that had grown from 2 million to 63 million. Attending Asbury United Methodist Church since 1936, Merle served in many capacities ranging from Sunday School Teacher to being a long time member of the Official Board, Parsonage Committee and Trustee. In addition, she helped spearhead numerous financial drives toward reaching various goals. After retiring in 1983, Merle and her husband enjoyed extensive traveling, and a close and joyful relationship with family and friends. She is survived by a daughter, Charlotte A. Platt and her husband David; a son, John Thomas Ballard; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddy Ballard; and a son, Claude Edward Ballard. Bearers will be David Earl Platt, Dick Hopper, Andy Hopper, Bill Ballard, Alan Arbabi and Randy Hopper. The family says those who wish may make memorials to the Asbury United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2342, Ada, OK 74821. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February10, 2016 RANDALL SMITH ADA ? Services for Randall Lee Smith, 54, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Thursday at Union Valley Baptist Church. The Rev. Randall Christy will officiate. Burial will follow at Ft. Towson Cemetery. Mr. Smith passed away Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, at his home. He was born June 28, 1961, in Dumas, Texas to Bobby Lee and Ruby Jean Watson Smith. He graduated from Moss High School. He married Lisa Gregory in 2001. Mr. Smith retired as a medical technologist at Baptist St. Anthony Health Care System in Amarillo, Texas. He was a loving husband, father and son. Survivors include his wife, Lisa of the home; a son, Samuel Lee David Villa-Smith and his wife Dana of Waco, Texas; his parents, Ruby Jean and Bobby Smith of Ada; a sister, Rhonda Smith Taylor and her husband Frank of Ada; two grandchildren, Isaias Villa-Smith and Cadence Villa-Smith; and several nieces and nephews, Sara Taylor, Amity Taylor, Emily Lee, Naomi Taylor and Alyce Lee. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, February 11, 2016 IRENE ANGLIN MESQUITE, Texas ? Services for Irene Williford Anglin, 90, of Forney, Texas, formerly of Clarita, are at 2 p.m. Friday at the Clarita United Methodist Church. Pastor Lyle Shipley and Dr. Ben Husted will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery near Wapanucka. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. Friday at Criswell Funeral Home in Ada. Mrs. Anglin passed away Sunday, January 31, 2016, in Mesquite, Texas. She was born May 15, 1925, in Clarita, to Horace and Maudie Mae Patton Maynard. She graduated from Clarita High School and attended East Central State College in Ada. She married William Ester Anglin in Monterrey, California, on May 15, 1948. In 1950 the two moved back to Clarita. He preceded her in death. Mrs.Anglin retired after 41 years as the financial secretary at Olney High School, in Olney. She was a longtime member of the Clarita United Methodist Church. Survivors include her children, Sharron Esther Wolfe and her husband David, Charlotte Irene Baughman, and Warren Edley Anglin; her grandchildren, William Neal Baughman and his wife Barbara, Patricia Davonne Neerman and her husband Jonathan, Benaa Irey and her husband Joseph, and Angelin Rene' Wolfe; and seven great-grandchildren, Emmalee Irey, Esther Neerman, Embree Irey, Jonathan Neerman, Jr., James Irey, Ashley Gordon and Al Aleman. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, on Oct. 11, 1959. Bearers will be O. N. Riley, Clint Dilbeck, Bob Miles, and Jerry Romines. Honorary bearers will be Charles Thompson, Ronal Collins, Roy Campbell, and Greg Davidson. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, February 12, 2016 DARLA COFFEY VANOSS ? Services for Darla Kay Coffey, 47, of Vanoss are at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Seth Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow at McGee Cemetery in Stratford. Mrs. Coffey passed away Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at an Ada hospital. She was born Oct. 4, 1968, in Idabel to Donald ?Buddy? and Gail Adams Blankenship. She attended Vanoss Grade School and graduated from Vanoss High School. She married Danny Coffey on March 29, 1991. Mrs. Coffey was a certified medical assistant at McCall?s Chapel and the Baptist Village. She was also a phlebotomist. When she was younger, she was a pianist for gospel singings. She was an animal lover and loved to ride her John Deere tractor and mow. Mrs. Coffey was a former secretary and an active member of the Ada Amateur Radio Club. Survivors include her husband, Danny Coffey of the home; her stepdaughter, Lavina Coffey of Tulsa; two grandchildren, Eav and Abigail Sherman; her mother, Gail Blankenship of Vanoss; a brother, Donnie Blankenship of Pickett; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Patsy and Ed Coffey of Vanoss; and a niece and nephew, Brittany and Blake Blankenship. She was preceded in death by her father, Buddy Blankenship. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, February 13, 2016 ALBERT "BUD" THRONE ADA ? Services for Albert ?Bud? Throne, 86, of Ada, formerly of Tulsa are at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Throne died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at home. Albert Throne was born on May 24, 1929, in Tulsa to Roy Throne and Venus Tedrow Throne. His nick-name ?Bud? was given to him very shortly after his birth by his siblings, who began calling him their little ?Buddy?. Bud was predeceased by his wife Suzanne Throne and by his parents, two brothers and a sister, and by a baby daughter, LuAnn Throne. He is survived by sons Roy Throne (Kim), Larry Throne (Tami), and daughters Lynda Reser (Rusty), Belinda Runnells (Tom), Jenne Lofton, Rebecca Haines (Lynn), and by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was previously married to the late Sarah Blevins Throne. Bud graduated from Daniel Webster High School in Tulsa and from The University of Tulsa. He joined the U.S. Army in 1948. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving from July 31, 1950, until Sept. 28, 1951, with the 5th Regimental Combat Team as a member of an intelligence and recon team. He was the recipient of many decorations and honors for his 14 months of combat in Korea. After returning to the States, Bud was assigned as Cadre Trainer at Fort Polk, Louisiana, for the Ohio National Guard?s 37th Infantry Division?s mobilization for 7 months, then returned to Tulsa to serve as an advisor/administrative assistant at the Army Reserve Center. In 1957, he was commissioned as a Warrant Officer. In 1970, he and his family moved to Ada to continue as an advisor/administrative assistant to the reserve unit stationed here. He retired from active duty in 1973, but remained to serve as a reserve officer advisor/administrative assistant until his final retirement in 1988, after 40 years of service with and for the United States Army. Bud was a member of The Kiwanis Club of Ada for well over 40 years. He served as president of the club in 1977, and as lieutenant governor of division 21 of Oklahoma Kiwanis Clubs. At the time of his death, he had been serving as the director of missions for the Banner Baptist Association of Churches for several years. He was also an accomplished musician. He played the String Bass in the Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra in concerts and stage shows. He also played bass in the post-WWII Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Buddy DeFranco during the summer of 1968, and the Freddie Martin orchestra and he proudly played the tuba in the Ada Community Band for a few years. Bud loved the City of Ada like it was his ?hometown.? He enjoyed serving this town in various capacities; Salvation Army board member; Helping Hands Outreach Center board member; Ada Boys Club board member. He helped organize the Volunteer Chaplaincy at Mercy Hospital, Ada (formerly Valley View Hospital), and served as a chaplain for 10 years. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, February 13, 2016 TOWANDA CLAUDDINE ANDRISON ADA ? Services for Towanda Clauddine Andrison, 80, are at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. Mrs. Andrison died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at her home. She was born April 2, 1935, in Ada to John and Oda Dale Manuel Northcutt. She attended Glenwood Elementary and graduated from Ada High School. She married Billy Marvin Andrison on May 15, 1953. He preceded her in death on Aug. 4, 2001. Mrs. Andrison was a homemaker and a member of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Kathy Robbins and husband Patrick and Vickie Bigham; two son-in-laws, Joern Wilms and John Armstrong; four grandsons, Joshua Wilms, Corey Wilms, Kenny Bigham and Marty Bigham; three nieces, LaVerne McGuire, Kristy McGuire and Richele Gray; five nephews, Michael McGuire, Dylan McGuire, Drew McGuire, David McDaniel and Jerry Yarberry and special friends Ethel and Albert Hurley. She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Debbie Hoelke, two brothers and six sisters. Bearers will be Patrick Robbins, Michael McGuire, Dylan McGuire, Joern Wilms, Corey Wilms and Albert Hurley. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell FuneralHome, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, February 13, 2016 ARLAND BROWN MUSTANG ? Graveside services for Arland Brown, 51, of Mustang, formerly of Stratford are at 2 p.m. Tuesday at McGee Cemetery. The Rev. Richard Azbauch will officiate. Mr. Brown died Jan. 28, 2016. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ======================================================================= ======================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 16, 2016 SUE JOHNSON ADA ? Services for Leila Sue Johnson, 88, of Ada, are at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Life Community Church. The Rev. Mickey Keith will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Mrs. Johnson died Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. She was born May 18, 1927, in Ada to Henry and Minola Akin Shelton. She attended Ninnekah schools. She married James Arley Johnson on Oct. 4, 1951. He preceded her in death on March 4, 2011. Mrs. Johnson was employed with Hazel Atlas Glass Co. for 11 years in the packing department, Blue Bell Co. in the sewing department for 10 years, and also Valley View Regional Hospital in central supply for 10 years. She was an active member of Life Community Church for many years. Survivors include two sons, James Arley Johnson, Jr. and his wife Lisa of Ada, and Tony Johnson of Ada; four grandsons; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; and two great-grandsons; two sisters, Bernadine O?Brien and Violet Marie Sliger, both of Ada; two sisters-in-law, Joann Shelton and Elaine Shelton, both of Ada; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; and five brothers, Clell Shelton and his wife Linda Shelton, Bobby Gene Shelton, Billy Ray Shelton, Teddy John Shelton and his wife Billie Bernice Shelton and Jerry Don Shelton. Bearers will be her sons, James Johnson and Tony Johnson; and her grandsons, Josh Johnson, Dylln Johnson, Dalton Johnson and Jesse Johnson. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 16, 2016 ERNEST GIBSON ADA ? Ernest ?Ernie Byrd? Jacob Gibson, 16, passed away Feb. 11, at his home in Ada. Ernie was born Aug. 31, 1999, in McAlester to his parents Michelle (McAnally) and Chester Gibson. Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church. The Rev. David Daniel will officiate. Interment will follow at Byers Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the family home, 616 W. 3rd in Ada. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 16, 2016 JENNIE HOWARD WYNNEWOOD ? Graveside services for Jennie Bethenia Keeling Howard, 76, of Wynnewood, formerly of the Allen area, are at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Allen Cemetery. The Rev. Gene Williams will officiate. Family and friends may call at the Allen Chapel from 4 p.m. Tuesday until service time. Mrs. Howard passed away Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, at a Pauls Valley nursing home. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February 17, 2016 EVA FILES ADA ? Services for Eva Lee Choate Files, 83, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. John Haynes will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Eva went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, surrounded by her family at her home in Ada. She was born June 28, 1932, to Warren Sylvester Choate and Willie Moran Choate in Roff. She attended Vanoss schools. She married Alvin Monroe (A.M.) Files Jr. on Aug. 4, 1948. He preceded her in death Oct. 22, 1991. Eva was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, known affectionately as ?Nanny? to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a homemaker and stay-at-home mom who always put others ahead of herself. She was a fantastic cook and a skilled seamstress. Later in life, she worked in real estate and cared for babies and children at the First Baptist Church Mothers? Day Out and at the church nursery. She was a Christian and a member of First Baptist Church of Ada. She is survived by her four children, Alvin Files and wife Susan; Linda Files, with whom she lived; Cathy James and husband Danny; and Mike Files, all of Ada; her granddaughters, Amy Files of Ada; Dana Clifton and husband Jerry of Noble; and Caitlyn James of Norman; her grandsons, Scott Files and wife Molly of Salem, Oregon; Ben Files of Seattle, Washington; and Dillon James of Ada; and by great-grandchildren, Lucy Shires, Gracie Nickell, Sebastian Files, Judah Files, Willow Files and twins, Cambri and Kilor. Other survivors are her brother, Paul Choate of Ada; her niece, Nancy Hardcastle; and other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, A. M. Files Jr.; her parents; her sisters, Gladys Bass, Ramona Lea, Annette Childers and Betty Davenport; her brothers, Dee Choate and James G. Choate; and by an infant grandson, Matthew Alvin Files. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, February 18, 2016 MARY ELLIOTT ADA ? Graveside services for Mary Ethel Elliott, 99, of Ada are at 2 p.m. Friday at Memorial Park Cemetery. The Rev. Toby Willoughby and Mr. Thurman Rinehart will officiate. Ms. Elliott passed away Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at a local nursing home. She was born May 21, 1916, in Cookeville, Tennessee to Tony Syphers and Nancy Tennessee LaFever Gambrell. She and her family came to Oklahoma by train in 1920. The oldest of nine children, she grew up in the Stonewall area and attended Lula and Pleasant Grove schools. She was a long-time resident of the Latta community and one of the early members of Morris Memorial Baptist Church. Ms. Elliott was well acquainted in Ada, having spent many years working at Valley View Regional Hospital in dietary, cafeteria and the P&MR?s restaurant. She is survived by her sons, Gene Paul Elliott and wife Joan of Ada, Jerry Don Elliott and wife Jeanne of Vanoss and Roger Dale Elliott and wife Londa of Ada; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and four step-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Robert Ray Elliott; sisters, Ollie Gambrell, Lanola Marsh, Marie Fine, Carrie Griffin and Geneva Marsh; brothers, Hubert Gambrell, Thurman Gambrell and Charles Gambrell; and a step-granddaughter, Karen Gamble. Her grandsons will serve as bearers. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, February 18, 2016 MARY ROBERTSON SEMINOLE ? Mary Katherine (Majors) ?Katy? Robertson, 88, of Konawa passed away Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, at Avonlea Assisted Living Center in Seminole. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Vamoosa Baptist Church. The Rev. Bruce Sanders will officiate. Burial will follow at Dora Cemetery. Pallbearers are Mark Ezell, Chris Freeman, Cory Walker, Bobby Carnes, Don Robertson and Les Robertson. Katy was born Oct. 29, 1927, in Eldorado, Kansas, to Louie Majors and Gladys (Miller) Majors. She graduated from Maud High School and attended college. She married Henry Herman ?Hank? Robertson Dec. 24, 1946, in Bowlegs. She was a homemaker and a Weight Watchers group leader. She is survived by two sons, Mark Robertson and wife, Debbie of Konawa and Tim Robertson and wife, Brenda of Allen; one daughter, Becky Freeman and husband, Danny of Konawa; three sisters, Dorothy Hollingshead of Shawnee, Barbara Colvin of Shawnee and Betty Stafford of Bowlegs; five grandchildren, Dana Ezell, Chris Freeman, Lisa Cundiff, Cory Walker and Marcy Carnes; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louie and Gladys Majors; husband, Hank Robertson; three brothers, Robert Majors, Wilburn Majors and Ray Hugh Majors. Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, February 19, 2016 EDMOND POSTOAK SEMINOLE ? Edmond Postoak, 79, of Ada passed from this life on Feb. 17, 2016, in Seminole. Edmond was born Aug. 6,1936, in Ardmore. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Smith-Phillips Funeral Home. Sam Williams and Mike Massey will officiate. Family visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 23, 2016 ROBERT SLIGER ADA ? Services for Robert Andrew (Bob) (Tall Boy) Sliger, 84, of Ada, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Ada Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Jim Knight will officiate. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Stonewall. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Criswell Funeral Home. Robert Andrew (Bob) Sliger went to meet his heavenly father on Feb. 21, 2016, at his home. He was born March 21, 1931, to Sarah Roshie and Robert Andrew Sliger. He had 11 brothers and sisters, Avana, Vera, Marie, J.B., Verlie, Willard, Edith, Jane, June, Royce and Alvilda. Bob spent his elementary school years at Owl Creek and graduated from Stonewall High School in 1949. He married Violet Marie Sliger March 15, 1951. The couple had four children, Janice, Bobby, Sherry and Linda. During his younger years he owned horses, three of which he was especially proud of; Apple Jack, Equal Chance and High Stakes. Mr. Sliger continued his love of horses later in life through his son Bobby. Bob was employed at City Services Oil Company beginning in 1960. Then, in 1962, he began working for the Pontotoc County Sheriff?s Department as a deputy. He continued his career in law enforcement with the Sheriff?s Department as Under Sheriff for 9 years until 1982, when he served as Sheriff after the retirement of Burl Griffin. After leaving the Sheriff?s Department, Mr. Sliger worked for the county until his retirement. Mr. Sliger was a member of the Ada Church of the Nazarene. He dearly loved his Savior and his church family. Bob put his own family above all else. He was the Patriarch of his family and he took that position very seriously. Bob felt it was his duty to teach his children and grandchildren everything he had learned during his lifetime, and to protect them from any harm that might come their way. Mr. Sliger was the rock and the center of the family. He will be missed greatly by those who are left to mourn him. Mr. Sliger was preceded in death by his parents, Roshie and Robert Sliger; and siblings, Avana Hobbs, Vera Deaton, Verlie Flowers and Alvida Sliger; and a daughter and son in law, Sherry and Richard Jackson. He is survived by his wife, Violet Marie Sliger of the home; a daughter, Janice Childress and her husband Martin of Ada; his son, Bobby Sliger and Kathy Bruner of Lexington, Kentucky; his daughter, Linda Long and her husband Jeff of Ada; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three brothers, J. B. Sliger of Byng; Willard Sliger of Owl Creek; and Royce Sliger of Stonewall; and three sisters, Edith Flowers of Stonewall; Jane Hatfield of Ada; and June McCauley of Fort Worth, Texas. Bearers will be Chad Sliger, Chris Sliger, Sean Childress, Robert Long, Jarrod Jackson and Tanner Hudnall. Honorary bearers will be Eli Sliger, Parker Deliz and Samuel Deliz. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 23, 2016 CHARLENE SWANICK ADA ? Services for Charlene Swanick, 75, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. David Gray will officiate. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Stonewall. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Criswell Funeral Home. Ms. Swanick passed away Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, at an Ada hospital. She was born July 17, 1940, in Crowder to Lessie and Alma Oneta House Williamson. Ms. Swanick was a secretary for the Ada Area Community Emergency Services until her retirement. Survivors include her mother, Alma Williamson of Gresham, Oregon; a daughter, Jody Hall and husband Charlie of Stonewall; a son, Douglas Swanick and wife Christie of Coalgate; four grandchildren, Ashley Bonzo and husband Jacob of McKinney, Texas; Dalton Hall of Stonewall; Peyton Swanick and wife Heather of Durant; and Ryan Swanick of Coalgate; two great-grandchildren, Logan Bonzo and Gabriel Bonzo; a stepson, Greg Holt and wife Laura of Norman; two brothers, David Williamson and wife Carol of Lincoln, California; and Carl Williamson and wife Vicky of Gresham, Oregon; a sister, Carolyn Sue Cackowski and husband Richard of Garden Grove, California; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Tuesday, February 23, 2016 MAX GRIFFITH DENISON, Texas ? Max Nibert Griffith, 81, of Cartwright passed away Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas. He was born Aug. 2, 1934, in Roff to Arno C. and Beaulah Grace Brice Griffith. He attended Roff schools and was an Army Veteran. He was a member of Lightning Ridge Baptist church outside of Roff. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Arvis Griffith, his wife Mary and their son Dale, and Jack L. Griffith. He was a heavy equipment operator who built roads and bridges. He lived in Cartwright for over 20 years. Surviving is his very special friend, Francis Hartline of Cartwright; a brother, Charles Griffith of Ardmore; a sister, Shirley Bircket of Mulhall; and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Garden of Memory cemetery in Colbert. Pastor Troy Phillips will officiate. A register book may be signed and condolences sent to the family online at cunninghamfuneralhomesok.com. =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February 24, 2016 LESTER CRAFT VADA ? Services for Lester Craft, 86, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Colbert Baptist Church. The Rev. Bob Payne will officiate. Burial will follow at Swan Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Craft passed away Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, at a local hospital. He was born May 18, 1929 at Olustee to Elmer and Claris Hove Craft. He graduated from Duke High School in 1947 and attended a trade school. He married Margie Juanita New, April 20, 1949 in Purvis, MS. She preceded him in death Nov. 12, 1991. He later married Metta Ruth Crabb Oct. 31, 1992, in Ada. Mr. Craft was an Electrical Technician and retired as a Foreman with Sun Pipeline. He was a member of the Colbert Baptist Church, the Ada Shrine Temple and the Ada Masonic Lodge and was a 33rd-degree Scottish Rite Mason. Survivors include his wife, Metta Ruth of the home; a daughter, Regina Johnson and her husband Michael of Greenville, Texas; a son, Eric Craft of Francis; stepdaughters, Jacque Cullen and husband Lindsay, Sue Reed and husband Chuck; a sister, Louise Haney of Sulphur, Louisiana; his grandchildren, Chris Craft, Dallas, Texas, Nyssa Greenlee, Konawa, Josh Vires and wife Amanda, Seattle, Washington, Stevie Carpenter of Francis and Nacobi Craft of Francis, Craig Allen and wife Carie of Yukon, Chris Allen and wife Denae of Yukon, Chad Reed of Allen, Texas, and Zack Reed and wife Jill of Temple, Texas; and his great-grandchildren, Mila Vires, Jake Eads, Aly Eads, Brea Eads, Sara Greenlee, Hutch Allen, Brody Allen, Regan Reed and Dylan Reed. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; and two brothers, Elmer Craft Jr. and Harold Craft. Lester was quietly loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Bearers will be Josh Vires, Chris Craft, Craig Allen, Chris Allen, Greg King and Chad Reed. Honorary bearers will be Bob Hooser, James Tooley and Hubert Schutte. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February 24, 2016 ETHEL JONES ADA ? Memorial services for Ethel Marie Ellis Jones, 89, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Saturday at Asbury United Methodist Church. The Rev. Travis Muse will officiate. Mrs. Jones passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, at a local hospital. She was born April 11, 1926, in Perry to Henry Harvey and Agnes Loretta Neurburg Ellis. She married Lattie Earnest Jones Jr. on Dec. 29, 1951. Mrs. Jones was an administrative assistant at Robert S. Kerr Research Lab in Ada. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband, Lattie of the home; her four children, Deborah K. Tucker, Tulsa, Bruce Jones and wife Glenna of Ada, Trudy Eslami of Birmingham, Alabama, and Jana Jones of Ada; six grandchildren, Ransome Tucker of Austin, Texas, Kolbe Thaggard of Ada, Mikenna Long of Ada, Gabriel Eslami and Carmen Eslami, both of Birmingham, Alabama, and Christy Sheppard of Ada; five great-grandchildren, Will Sheppard, Drew Sheppard, Addie Sheppard, Reina Long and Adrian Long, all of Ada; one sister, Helen James of Durango, Colorado; and a brother, Joe Ellis of Brighton, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Gene Ellis, Vernon Ellis and Raymond Ellis; and two sisters, Irene Thomas and Dorothy Spinosi. The family says those who wish may make memorials to the Asbury Food Pantry, P. O. Box 2342, Ada, OK 74821. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February 24, 2016 DOLORES SMITH ADA ? Dolores Smith of Ada passed Sunday evening with her family by her side after valiantly battling Alzheimer?s. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Criswell Funeral Home in Ada. The Rev. Gary Jamar will officiate. Burial will follow at Byrd?s Prairie Cemetery near Tupelo. Known to many in this town, Dolores was a friendly face at Family Dollar and Dollar Tree for many years. She didn?t know a stranger and never failed to offer a smile. She enjoyed giving customers a good-natured ribbing when called for. Witty and intelligent, Dolores also had a wonderful sense of humor which she passed down to her children. Get-togethers included lots of love, an amazing amount of laughter, and good times that will be cherished forever. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Rosetta Anderson; two brothers, Nolan and T.J. Anderson; her sister, Sylvia Anderson; and one grandson, Ryan Moss. Dolores is survived by her brother, Olan Anderson and his wife Carole of Meridian, Idaho; and two sisters, Linda Nelson and Loretta Gibbish of Weiser, Idaho. Blessed by five children and their spouses, Dolores leaves behind Rex and Lisa Munday of Ada, Zack and Donna Munday of Lula, Melody and Steve Crow of Meridian, Idaho, Tamara and Justin McKinney of Willard, Missouri, and Josh Smith of Ada. She has 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many treasured friends. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February 24, 2016 SHELTON CURTIS ADA ? Services for John Shelton Curtis, 92, of Roff, are at 1 p.m. Saturday at Roff First Baptist Church. The Rev. Tony Folger will officiate. Burial will follow at East Hill Cemetery in Roff. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Curtis passed away Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, at an Ada hospital. He was born Dec. 5, 1923, in Big Flat, Arkansas, to Willie and Alice Sisk Curtis. He attended school in Arkansas. He married Juanita Deason Sept. 11, 1947. She preceded him in death December 21, 2003. Mr. Curtis owned and operated the Dixie Coffee Shop, Dee?s Caf?, the Aldridge Coffee Shop and later the Roff Caf?. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II. Survivors include a son, Billy Curtis of Oil Center; a daughter, Patsy Reed of Roff; a brother, Benny Wilson of Wichita, Kansas; a sister, Johnnie Tomlinson of Modesto, California; his grandchildren, Paxton Reed, Keisha Finley, Keleigh Mooney, Kim Weldon, Jason Cole, Chris Curtis and Brad Curtis; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; two sons, Danny Curtis and Sammy Cole; two brothers, Shelby Curtis and J.V. Curtis; and two sisters, Doy Wilson and Dalb McDaniel. Bearers will be Donnie Mooney, Melvin Thompson, Eddie Cruz, Michael Terry, Alex Terry and Paul Bennett. Honorary bearers will be Ronnie Keever, Faye Sliger, Bill Schutter and Jeff Finley. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February 24, 2016 BOBBY GRAHAM ADA ? Services for Bobby Don Graham, 78, of Ada are at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Hazel Wallace will officiate. Burial will follow at Steedman Cemetery, east of Ada. Mr. Graham passed away Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, at his home. He was born Jan. 25, 1938, in Arizona to George Washington and Inez Vernon Alton Graham. He attended Latta schools. He married Sally Walker in 1965. She preceded him in death July 15, 2013. Mr. Graham was a truck driver until his retirement. Survivors include a son, Darrell Walker and his wife Johnna of Ada; a daughter, Shirley Shelton and her husband Jerry of Ada; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Tom Agee and his wife Delores of Ada and Harold Agee and his wife Margaret of Taylor, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two brothers, Paul ?Duke? Graham and J. T. Agee. Bearers will be Dylan Walker, Jerry Shelton, Chris Turner, Daniel Cruz, Will Shelton and Marcus Cruz. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Wednesday, February 24, 2016 BRUCE GRIFFIN SR. ADA ? Services for Bruce Leon Griffin Sr., 68, of Ada are at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Oil Center Pentecostal Holiness Church. The Revs. Earl Hood and Cord Fowler will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Griffin passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, at an Ada hospital. He was born Oct. 9, 1947, in Sulphur to Harold L. and Mary Ellen Wood Griffin. He attended Stratford grade school and graduated from Vanoss High School. He married Judy Annette Roberts May 2, 1975, in Ada. Mr. Griffin was formerly employed with Booth Oil Company and retired from Holcim Cement Plant in 1988. He attended Oil Center Pentecostal Holiness Church. Survivors include his wife, Judy of the home; a son, Bruce L. Griffin Jr. of Ada; a daughter, Brandy Griffin and her fianc?, Jeremy Neal of Ada; a daughter, Angela Jackson and husband Shane of Allen; five grandchildren, Zac Dansby and his fianc?, Patience Young, Bryce Haynes and his fianc?, Autumn Johnston, Baleigh Scout Griffin, and Tyler Jarrett and wife Kayla and Tanner Jarrett; a great-grandson, Bryson Jarrett; three sisters, Brenda McBee and husband Joe of McAlester, Marsha Collins and husband Donnie of Ardmore and Gayla Goodman and husband Jerry of Ada; a brother, Mickey Griffin and wife Becky of Ada; one brother-in-law, Tony Roberts and wife Ann of Ada; sister-in-law, Kaye Fowler and husband Bob of Yukon; and several nieces, nephews and special friends. Bearers will be Lonnie Long, Roger Reeves, Chris McKinney, Sean Lackey, Jeremy Neal, James Don Henderson, Larry Muck and Joe Magby. The family says those who wish may make memorials to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718; or the American Heart Association, 5700 N. Portland, Ste. 203, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, February 25, 2016 RUTH HICE ADA ? Services for Naomi Ruth Hice, 82, of Ada are at 10 a.m. Friday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Dan Cusher will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Mrs. Hice passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, at her home. She was born March 19, 1933, in Ada to Thomas H. and Bessie Howard Shook. She attended grade school and high school in Ada and graduated from Horace Mann High School. She received a degree in licensed practical nursing Aug. 16, 1985. She married Billy Ray Hice. He preceded her in death July 16, 2001. Mrs. Hice was a licensed practical nurse at Valley View Regional Hospital, retiring after 32 years of service. She attended Ahloso Baptist Church and she enjoyed quilting, drawing, painting, crocheting and cooking. Survivors include five daughters, Cheryl Kymes and husband Dennis, Carroll Dildine and husband Stu, Jerri DeWalt and husband David, Whitney Dean and husband Steven and Billie Womack and husband Matt; two sons, Steven Hice and wife Catherine and Chris Hice and wife Melanie; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister, Frances Lorraine Shook; a grandson; and a great-granddaughter. Bearers will be Steven Hice, Chris Hice, Wayne Chronister, Willie Cranford, Andrew Cowart, Josh Dildine and Jonathan Woods. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Thursday, February 25, 2016 SCOTT GRISSOM ADA ? Services for Scott Ray Grissom 35, of Ada, are at 10 a.m. Saturday at First Free Will Baptist Church in Ada. The Revs. Dean Stone and Zac Christian will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Criswell Funeral Home. Mr. Grissom passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. He was born March 18, 1980, in Ada to Jr. and Dayna Gaylene Clark Grissom. He lived in this area all his life, attended Homer Elementary and graduated from Byng High School. He received an associate's degree from Northern Oklahoma Junior College, where he received a baseball scholarship and played baseball. He received a bachelor?s degree from East Central University. He married Chrissy Dawn Miller June 13, 2014, in Ada. Mr. Grissom was a substitute teacher and he was self-employed. He was of the Baptist faith, coached Legion Baseball, numerous little league teams, and he loved to fish. Scott loved the Lord and his family. He was a very proud daddy of his three daughters and was a very loving husband. Survivors include his wife, Chrissy of the home; his daughters, Shay Ryan Grissom, Payton Reece Noland and Ryan Parker Noland, all of the home; his parents, Jr. and Dayna Grissom of Ada; his brother, Chad Grissom and his wife Krystina and their sons, Landon, Cameron and Ian Grissom of Ada; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Trish Miller of Ada; two brothers-in-law, Matt Miller and his wife Autumn, and their son, Ford of Moore and Brad Miller and his wife Mandy and their sons, Kelby, Carson and Preston of Shawnee; his uncles and aunts, Terry and Jawana Clark, Dennis Thurman and Emma Lee Presley and family, all of Ada, and Maurice Hooser and family of Noble; and his cousins, Tracy Van Hooser of Ada, Jeremy Clark of Festus, Missouri and Jayson Clark of Broken Arrow. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Dortha and E. J. Clark; his paternal grandparents, Cledes and Reba Grissom; two uncles, Ricky Grissom and Randy Grissom; and two aunts, Patsy Futisha and Nancy DeLozier. Bearers will be Chad Smith, Matt Pierce, Jared Euper, Joey Leone, Wade Thompson, Tommy Keifer, Kris Darbison, Jake Williams and Kenneth Ray Mackey. Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Friday, February 26, 2016 KEITH LASHBROOK ADA ? Memorial services for Keith Lashbrook, 65, of Ada will be held at a later date. Mr. Lashbrook passed away Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, at an Ada nursing home. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada =============================================================================================================== The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, February 27, 2016 RAY BURELL ADA ? No services are planned at this time for Ray Burell, 70, of Ada, retired truck driver. Mr. Burell passed away Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, at his home. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, February 27, 2016 DANNY KELLEY TULSA ? Danny E. Kelley, 65, died of a heart attack Feb. 24, 2016, at his home in Tulsa. His wife, Lynn Rhynes Kelley, was at his side. Danny was born Dec. 5, 1950. Services will be held at 2 p.m. March 5 at Trinity Baptist Church in Ada. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ada News, Ada, OK, Pontotoc County Saturday, February 27, 2016 JEFFREY DALE TILLEY OKLAHOMA CITY ? Jeffrey Dale Tilley, 49, took a step forward on his journey, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, in Oklahoma City. Jeffrey was born on June 17, 1966, in Ada to Warren Dale Tilley and Gwendolyn (Golden) Tilley Jensen. He had many passions in life, most of all family and serving his country. Hobbies included classic cars, guns, motorcycles, woodworking and landscaping. Jeffrey was a huge football fan and of course loved the Denver Broncos. Most of all, Jeffrey loved life. Jeff will continue on through his beloved family. Mother and stepfather, Gwendolyn and Gavin Jensen; wife, Debi Tilley; son, Jimmie Dale Tilley; grandson, Alec Dale Tilley; sister, Brenda Koontz; and many extended family. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------